All religions, irrespective of belief, subsist on faith. Despite all the so-called evidence and apologetics there remains a definite lack of sufficient evidence. Faith by definition is belief without sufficient evidence. Those who try to convince others their way is better really have no better argument than "I believe it, so it must be true".
Some religions have more evidence. Some have less. But the common thread throughout them all is the No Question Zone. In this zone beliefs are not questioned, but accepted by faith. Mormons take it by faith that Joseph Smith found golden plates, was spoken to by an angel, and translated the book of Mormon. Other Christian denominations take it by faith that the Bible is written by God. The Catholic Church accepts by faith that God gave authority to them. Islam likewise accepts by faith that the Quran, revealed by the prophet Muhammad, is written by God. Scientology accepts by faith that all suffering is caused by past lives of space aliens.
Many religions admit faith plays a large role. However, some religions emphasize empiricism, claiming they can prove their doctrines and beliefs. These religions that are so sure they are correct are often unaccepting of other beliefs. This is dangerous. If one investigates deeply enough into these claims, the "proof" is often found to be somewhat lacking.
This is what happened to me.
Update February 19, 2008:
I have decided to scale back the content of this site. When leaving the Church of Christ cult, I felt compelled to extensively research biblical history, God, Church of Christ doctrines, and Christianity in general. This, not only to satisfy myself, but to have a ready answer for anyone who tried to pressure me into returning. As time went on, I realized that I do not owe anyone a reason for my beliefs. My beliefs are just that. Mine. My beliefs are not yours. You are not accountable for what I believe. It is not your job to fix them, and it is not my job to explain them to you. However, I do think that some of what I learned may be helpful to others who may be trapped in the Church of Christ. Because of this, I have therefore decided only to leave the sections regarding the Church of Christ cult.
Although I can only view all the research I did as a tremendous waste of time, I am also happy that I did it. Learning is never a bad thing. I had this site online as a service to others who may be leaving the Church of Christ cult as well, but in the end, you have to do your own research to grow, and there are many other sources that say what I've said better than I have. I highly encourage you to study your faith diligently. Question your premises; discover your assumptions and question them too. If in the end, you decide to hold on to faith, so be it. You'll only be the better for your study, but you may find that your faith is much different than when you started. Never stop asking "how do I know?" and "why do I think this?" Your worldview will unravel like a sweater with a loose string constantly pulled.
The degree to which you question your assumptions will determine your beliefs in the end. It may be that in the end you decide to retain your current worldview, but in seeing faith for what it is, you will be less likely to judge others around you and criticize them for having a different worldview. This self-examination is a process everyone must undergo for themselves, but unfortunately it is one most do not. If you do make the journey, you will be the better for it, although you may wish you had never done it.
But that is my bias. I believe that there is value in truth, even if it is unpleasant. I hope you feel the same way.
(note: some links may be broken now due to my taking some pages offline. This is normal. I'm just too lazy to go through de-linking :) )
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